Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Bridgeport, CT (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico

Bridgeport

Connecticut

Albuquerque is 14% cheaper than Bridgeport.

$1,085/mo ↓ 23%

Median Rent

$1,405/mo ↑ 29%

$65,604/yr ↑ 16%

Median Income

$56,584/yr ↓ 14%

$266,700 ↑ 6%

Home Value

$252,400 ↓ 5%

$1,149/mo ↓ 22%

Owner Costs

$1,475/mo ↑ 28%

562,488

Population

148,012

Tax Comparison

5.9%

Income Tax

6.99%

5.0%

Sales Tax

6.35%

0.67%

Property Tax

2.15%

Affordability

19.8%

rent-to-income

Affordability

29.8%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Bridgeport, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 94 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $320/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $3,840/year.

Median household income is $9,020/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $252,400 in Bridgeport.

New Mexico has a lower income tax rate, making Albuquerque slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Bridgeport — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Bridgeport cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 94 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Bridgeport?

Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Bridgeport it's $1,405/month — a difference of $320/month.

Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Bridgeport?

Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $56,584 in Bridgeport. Median household income is $9,020/year higher in Albuquerque.

How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Connecticut?

New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.

Should I move to Albuquerque or Bridgeport?

It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with rent of $1,405/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.